Shore's Storm-Proof Return to St. Armands Circle

0:00Sure, that hot spot on St. Armand Circle in Sarasota shut down last year after more than 15 years in business thanks to brutal damage from hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Saltwater flooded and feet deep during both storms and with shaky infrastructure on the barrier island, owner Tom Leonard and his family called it. Quits, saying it fell bittersweet with no clear path forward. But now, over a year later, they're gearing up for a strong return in a revamped former bank building on the north end of the circle where demo work has already kicked off. The new spots getting built storm tough from the ground up, flood proof glass, no elevation needed, hitting all FEMA standards to stay dry no matter. What hits? Setting a blueprint for the whole island, they envision a three-level vibe, cafe and retail on the first floor, full restaurant on the second and an eight-room boutique hotel up top, aiming. For a fall 2027 launch, if city approvals and rezoning for the hotel go smooth, proving

1:01public-private teamwork can make the circle resilient for good, that's the story for today. Tampa Bay News Today, driven by AI, I'm Corey with the story.